PCTG vs PEI
How PCTG and PEI compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PCTG is easier to print, tougher and more flexible; PEI is stiffer, more heat resistant and better outdoors.
- PEI typically prints about 115 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PEI typically prints about 60 °C hotter on the bed.
- PCTG is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 11 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 26 PCTG filaments in 151 colours, and 17 PEI filaments in 24 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PCTG | PEI | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation |
| PCTG | PEI | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol | Polyetherimide |
| Filaments listed | 26 | 17 |
| Brands | 13 | 10 |
| Colours | 151 | 24 |
| Nozzle temperature | 230–260 °C | 340–380 °C |
| Bed temperature | 70–90 °C | 120–160 °C |
| Density | 1.23 g/cm³ | 1.27 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 338 m | about 327 m |
| Max drying temperature | – | – |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
4 brands make both PCTG and PEI.